SpeedTree is a group of vegetation programming and modeling software products developed and sold by Interactive Data Visualization, Inc. (IDV) that generates virtual foliage for animations, architecture and in real time for video games and demanding real time simulations.

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SpeedTree was conceptualized at IDV in circa 2000, and originated due to their lack of satisfaction with 3rd-party tree-generation software on the market.[8]

The initial version of SpeedTreeCAD (CAD standing for "computer-aided design") was developed by IDV for a real-time golf simulation. Although backers pulled out of the golf project, IDV refined the CAD software as a 3D Studio Maxplug-in for an animated architectural rendering, dubbing it SpeedTreeMAX.[8]

SpeedTreeMAX was released in December 2002, and the same month IDV released SpeedTreeRT, a real-time foliage/tree middleware SDK, which allowed automatic levels of foliage detail, real-time wind effects, and multiple lighting options.[8]

IDV eventually released plug-ins for Maya as well, appropriately named SpeedTreeMAYA. In early 2009, IDV discontinued the SpeedTreeMAX and SpeedTreeMAYA plugins, replacing them with SpeedTree Modeler and Compiler products.

IDV released SpeedTree 5 in July 2009, and it represented a "complete re-engineering" of the software:

SpeedTree Cinema was first released by IDV in 2009, based on version 5 technology.

SpeedTree for Games (version 6) was released on November 7, 2011, and was essentially a re-branded version of SpeedTree 6 (Modeler + Compiler). The product was identified as SpeedTree for Games to distinguish it from other products not meant for gaming/real-time use.

SpeedTree Architect was released on October 15, 2012, and is designed for architectural 3D CAD use and 3D fly-throughs.

IDV released updated versions of SpeedTree Cinema, SpeedTree Studio and SpeedTree Architect in November 2013.

SpeedTree Cinema was released by IDV in 2009, and saw its first major use in Avatar by James Cameron. SpeedTree Cinema is designed for use in the film industry, and generates high-resolution meshes and high-quality textures for Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk Maya and Cinema4D.[10][11] The Cinema edition includes SpeedTree Modeler, and the complete Tree Model Library designed by IDV, while with other suites tree packs must be purchased separately.[10] The Cinema edition can simulate animated growth of trees and plants, and can export data for animated wind effects.[10]

SpeedTree for Games is the professional edition of SpeedTree for video game development, contrasting with the Subscription edition offered to independent studios and hobbyists.[13] The Games edition includes the Modeler, Compiler, and SDK.[13] This edition permits professional game developers to integrate SpeedTree runtime technology into any game engine of their choice.[14] Meshes generated with the system are low poly, with multiple levels of detail, use texture atlases, and are typically stored in an efficient binary format.[15]

SpeedTree Subscription Edition is a low-cost edition of SpeedTree Modeler and Runtime, targeted at independent game studios. The licensing fee is a $20 monthly charge, as well as additional charges for tree packs.[16] Subscribers get access to the SpeedTree editor, the ability to generate 3D models of trees and plants, such plants being exclusively usable with either Unreal Engine 4[17] or Unity,[18][19] depending on the license. Subscribers can download additional tree model packs from the Model Library, and pricing varies between packs.[20][21]

SpeedTree Modeler is a Windows-based specialized modeling tool for designing foliage.[22] The modeler features a combination of procedural tree generation, and hand-editing tools, to draw trees or transform individual tree parts.[22] Procedural tree generation uses configuration such as branch length, branching angles and bark texture to generate a tree in a variety of formats. Newer versions support a drag-and-drop interface that automatically blends branch intersections and handles branch collisions.[11][23]

SpeedTree Compiler is a software that enables creation of efficient tree models for use in real-time rendering or video games. It generates texture atlases and compiles and optimizes tree models for real-time use.[15]

MT2 Top 100: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. The MT2 Top 100 awards are sponsored by Kerrigan Media International and Military Training Technology to recognize companies and technologies that have made a significant impact in the military training industry.

SpeedTree for Games was licensed for its first video games, including The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, in December 2002. SpeedTree has been licensed for PC and next-generation console titles in a wide variety of genres. Studios that have used SpeedTree, or published games featuring the technology, include:

Following the release of SpeedTree Cinema in 2009, SpeedTree saw its first major cinematic use in 2009's Avatar, in which the technology provided the vegetation for the flyover of the planet Pandora in the first frames of the movie, as well as other scenes. Known movies and television productions featuring SpeedTree include:

SpeedTree is being used in the following real-time, non-game projects and offerings:

America's Army project, both the America's Army game and in non-public applications used for training, simulation, education, virtual prototyping and outreach

An optional foliage module with the Vega Prime visualization product line.[31] Vega Prime is a 3D visual simulation software package used by the global military industry and in other game and non-game markets.

The Forest Fire project, developed by the Media Convergence Laboratory (MCL) at the University of Central Florida. The project is helping to determine if a virtual reality presentation of wildfires can influence local residents to invest in prescribed burns and other protective efforts.